On Campus in North America and Israel — Notable New Campuses and Programs
For over 25 years, JLIC has transformed what Jewish life looks like on college campuses. What began with Rabbi Menachem Schrader’s vision in 2000 has grown into five thriving divisions: North America, Israel, Summer Programs, Yavneh, and Abraham’s House. Today, rabbinic couples on 35 campuses serve as mentors, teachers, and role models, guiding more than 8,000 students a year in Torah, halacha, community‑building, and life. They are the people students call when they need a listening ear, a Shabbat or holiday meal, or direction on how to live proudly as Jews in the modern world.
Wherever Jewish students are — in North America, in Israel, or studying abroad — JLIC helps them flourish as observant Jews and communal leaders.
Students describe JLIC as a lifeline:
- “JLIC is wonderful at helping students grow as Jews and as people. My JLIC directors at Brandeis have impacted my religious experience tremendously, and we’ve developed a wonderful relationship.”
- “Rav Shlomo and Kyra Ashkenazy have single‑handedly changed my entire Jewish life at WashU, from Torah learning to kashrut and halacha. They are a home away from home.”
- “Rabbi and Rebbetzin Klein are staples of the Orthodox community at Penn. Their warmth and approachability created a welcoming environment for students far from home.”
- “Rav Josh and Rikki Lehman are the most amazing JLIC couple. They are always there for you whether your question is Torah‑related or not. They want the best for you and help you in any way they can.”
- “It was great to have JLIC to help me transition to life in Israel. I have met most of my friends through JLIC and usually go to our JLIC couple for Shabbat, which is always a relief and a joy.”
Notable New Campuses and Programs — In the fall of 2025, JLIC in Israel welcomed new campus couples to Machon Tal (Rivka and Ty Kay) and Ono College (Yaeli and Yoni Davis). JLIC is also innovating in the media space: the Torat JLIC Podcast launched in late 2024. Episodes feature intimate interviews with JLIC couples, and divrei Torah that highlight their unique perspectives and passion for their work.
College in Israel: Expanding Opportunities for American Students
Universities in Israel offer world‑class programs in medicine, technology, and research. Many courses are taught in English and many schools have exceptional job placement rates. Through its College in Israel initiative, JLIC introduces American students to Israeli institutions best suited to their academic, religious, and personal goals.
Highlights include:
- Parlor meetings and national Zoom events reaching hundreds of families, covering essential topics like degree options, housing, and community integration
- New support for Lone Soldiers and Bnot Sherut
- Gap year programming for students extending their time in Israel
- Training and trips for U.S. guidance counselors in partnership with the Tzemach David Foundation, ensuring they can help their students navigate the application process with confidence
- New staff member dedicated to liaising with American high schools to create programming focused on college opportunities in Israel
This initiative makes it possible for more American students to pursue world‑class academics in Israel, and ensures a comprehensive support system from initial interest through enrollment and integration.
Yavneh: Shaping Jewish Leaders for Life
Yavneh empowers Jewish student leaders to shape Jewish life with authenticity and Torah values.
Key Programs
- Yavneh Fellowship recruits and trains hundreds of new student leaders each year.
- LEAD Fellowship supports advanced leadership training and mentorship, inspiring and training upperclassmen for larger campus and national leadership roles.
- Yavneh B’Aretz and Maslul provides gap year students in Israel with immersive leadership training and mentorship to prepare them for college.
- The Yavneh National Board is a group of committed leaders shaping Yavneh.
- Leadership Curriculum teaches students how to build their leadership skills and values.
- National Leadership Shabbatons are held throughout the year and are focused on leadership training and network building.
“Serving on the National Board reminded me I wasn’t just leading on my campus, I was part of something larger. Connecting with fellows across the country expanded my vision of what student leadership could be.”
Summer and Volunteer Trips
When its original summer programs were canceled due to the war with Iran, JLIC launched a new track in just 48 hours — and attracted 45 participants within a week. Students gained professional growth through meaningful internships, and spiritual development through Torah learning, impactful volunteering opportunities, and sessions with inspiring speakers.
The experience began with a meaningful Shabbaton in Yerucham, a walking tour in Ofakim led by a police officer who defended the city on October 7, and a chance to explore the area’s rich Moroccan heritage. In partnership with Birthright Israel Onward and JNFUSA, JLIC also facilitated five‑day volunteer trips to Israel. Though June trips were postponed due to the Iran war, two groups arrived in August. Participants packaged food for families in need, hosted challah bakes for IDF soldiers, volunteered at hospitals and senior centers, and supported local farmers in Israel’s south — embodying achdut and kiddush Hashem through action.
Abraham’s House
Through Abraham’s House, JLIC students live the value of chesed, caring for Jews and neighbors alike. From preparing mishloach manot for shelter residents, to visiting more than 100 Shoah survivors before chagim, to building bridges with the Druze community, students make a lasting impact.